Madrid wants them denied, forcefully if separatists resist. UK-based lecturer in politics and Spanish Caroline Gray accused pro-independence activists of living in a “parallel universe of the new republic…(t)he situation…unpredictable if Spain moves in to take control.”

Catalan separatists still consider Pugdement president despite removal from office by Madrid. He urged peaceful resistance.

European Council president Donald Tusk dismissively saying “nothing change(d)” after Catalonia formally declared independence is unacceptable.

European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker admitted “more cracks” in the fragile union.

On Sunday, deposed Catalan Vice President Oriol Junqueras said “(w)e cannot recognize the coup d’etat against Catalonia, nor any of the anti-democratic decisions that (Rajoy’s regime) adopt(ed) by remote control from Madrid,” adding he remains “vice president of the government of Catalonia.”

Belgian minister for asylum and migration Theo Francken said Puigdemont and other Catalans “who feel politically threatened can apply for asylum in Belgium. This includes the minister-president Puigdemont. It’s completely legal.”

On Saturday, Madrid’s orders against Catalonia and its officials became effective, usurping control over the new republic.

If separatist politicians boycott the December snap election, they’ll cede power to Madrid, able to assure puppet governance representing its interests.

“I think it’s an illusion to think that people who have led us this far and declared independence are going to just walk away because a law is published.”

If deposed Catalan officials remain united in parliament and other government buildings, and pro-independence activists protect them by forming a human shield, “it will be complicated for” Madrid, he said, adding:

“(T)wo million people put their physical safety on the line to go out and vote in the referendum” – accomplishing what they set out to do, despite police state viciousness.

One activist likely spoke for many others, saying “(t)oday we are a republic.” Madrid “want(s) our territory and our wealth.”

Most Catalans reject its rule. Will they continue struggling for liberty no matter how tough the going gets?

Will Madrid unleash police state violence against them? Will the international community continue supporting Rajoy or demand resolving things through dialogue?

Answers to these questions will explain the course of future events, very much unknown so far.

Madrid wants them denied, forcefully if separatists resist. UK-based lecturer in politics and Spanish Caroline Gray accused pro-independence activists of living in a “parallel universe of the new republic…(t)he situation…unpredictable if Spain moves in to take control.”

Catalan separatists still consider Pugdement president despite removal from office by Madrid. He urged peaceful resistance.

European Council president Donald Tusk dismissively saying “nothing change(d)” after Catalonia formally declared independence is unacceptable.

European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker admitted “more cracks” in the fragile union.

On Sunday, deposed Catalan Vice President Oriol Junqueras said “(w)e cannot recognize the coup d’etat against Catalonia, nor any of the anti-democratic decisions that (Rajoy’s regime) adopt(ed) by remote control from Madrid,” adding he remains “vice president of the government of Catalonia.”

Belgian minister for asylum and migration Theo Francken said Puigdemont and other Catalans “who feel politically threatened can apply for asylum in Belgium. This includes the minister-president Puigdemont. It’s completely legal.”

On Saturday, Madrid’s orders against Catalonia and its officials became effective, usurping control over the new republic.

If separatist politicians boycott the December snap election, they’ll cede power to Madrid, able to assure puppet governance representing its interests.

“I think it’s an illusion to think that people who have led us this far and declared independence are going to just walk away because a law is published.”

If deposed Catalan officials remain united in parliament and other government buildings, and pro-independence activists protect them by forming a human shield, “it will be complicated for” Madrid, he said, adding:

“(T)wo million people put their physical safety on the line to go out and vote in the referendum” – accomplishing what they set out to do, despite police state viciousness.

One activist likely spoke for many others, saying “(t)oday we are a republic.” Madrid “want(s) our territory and our wealth.”

Most Catalans reject its rule. Will they continue struggling for liberty no matter how tough the going gets?

Will Madrid unleash police state violence against them? Will the international community continue supporting Rajoy or demand resolving things through dialogue?

Answers to these questions will explain the course of future events, very much unknown so far.